Insurance for all train tickets to be mandatory from October 27; SC issues directive to the Railways..

The Supreme Court has delivered a significant and welcome verdict for millions of passengers traveling via Indian Railways. The Court has directed Indian Railways to ensure that travel insurance coverage is mandatorily provided for tickets purchased at railway reservation counters, just as it is for tickets booked online. This landmark order puts an end to the alleged discrimination faced by passengers who purchase their tickets at railway counters.

What is the Court’s directive?
The Supreme Court has instructed the Railways to implement this system starting October 27, ensuring that passengers holding counter-issued tickets receive the same level of protection during their journey.

Previously, while passengers booking tickets online (via IRCTC) were provided with insurance coverage, those purchasing tickets at railway counters—particularly people from rural areas, the elderly, laborers, and those lacking access to smartphones or digital literacy—were deprived of this benefit. The Supreme Court has clarified that the value of a passenger's life or their right to safety cannot be differentiated based on the mode of ticket purchase (online versus counter).

In the event of an accident or any untoward incident, the families of passengers holding counter-issued tickets will now have the same right to claim insurance and compensation as those holding online-booked tickets.

Changes to Railway and PRS Software
Following this directive, Indian Railways and its Passenger Reservation System (PRS) will need to make necessary adjustments to their software and ticketing infrastructure to include an insurance option for passengers booking tickets at counters. This move by the Supreme Court will provide enhanced protection to the millions of passengers across the country who still prefer to purchase traditional tickets at railway counters, often after waiting in long queues.

Earlier, on May 11, the Centre had assured the Court that a decision to extend insurance coverage to offline tickets had been reached and that the modalities were being finalized. The bench noted, however, that the government had not provided any further information regarding this.

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